The psychophysiological effects of the COVID-19 quarantine in the college students

Abstract

Background and Study Aim. A global pandemic affected by COVID-19 resulted in restrictions to daily routines, including recreation activities, social skills, and academic and health quality of college students. This study aimed to evaluate the psychophysiological effect of coronavirus quarantine on physical activity and its’ relationship between sleep quality, mood states and musculoskeletal pain in college students. Material and Methods. A total of 392 (male = 150; female = 242; age = 22.9±5.5) college students completed an online survey. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), the Brunel Mood Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Visual Analogue Scale for musculoskeletal pain (MSP) were used in this study. Results. Total physical activity significantly correlation with PSQI (p < 0.05, r = -.103), fatigue (p < 0.01, r = -.344), depression (p < 0.01, r = -.258), angry (p < 0.01, r = -.210), vigour (p < 0.01, r = -.344), neck and shoulder, upper and lower back (p < 0.01, r = -.225), neck and shoulder correlation (p < 0.01, r = -.230), upper and lower back (p < 0.01, r = -.209). Furthermore, a positive correlation was shown between PSQI and negative moods and a negative correlation with positive mood. Conclusions. During quarantine, decreased physical activity was associated with higher negative mood states and poor sleep quality and more MSP. The COVID-19 quarantine has considerably affected mental health-related crisis consists of desperation, self-consciousness and deficiency of physical capabilities in young adults, especially in college students.